Residents Say SNS Supporters Attacked Them in Novi Sad, Police Separated the Groups

At least two people were reportedly injured during a confrontation between residents and supporters of Serbia’s ruling Serbian Progressive Party, known as SNS, in Veternik on the outskirts of Novi Sad.

The gathering began around 6 p.m. at the intersection of Cara Lazara and Ive Lole Ribara streets, near the boundary between Veternik and Futog. Residents had organized it to mark the anniversary of a large SNS supporters’ gathering held at the site a year earlier.

Participants moved from their original meeting point to a roundabout to avoid contact with SNS supporters, according to accounts cited by Razglas News. The SNS group followed them and reportedly stood close to the residents with banners, attempting to block their passage.

Witnesses said one resident was attacked as the group withdrew. Other residents then tried to protect that person, and another participant suffered injuries, including a damaged tooth. Some witnesses also described slapping, blows to the head and kicking. They claimed police largely watched the incident at some moments rather than intervening.

Unofficial information cited by the portal said police detained one person from the residents’ group and no SNS supporters. Police had not issued official information about the incident, the number of injured people or any detentions.